Thirty nursing, medical and paramedical professionals from the Gibraltar Health Authority are this week attending an Advanced Life and Trauma Support (ATLS) Course at the University of Gibraltar (5th to 8th October).

The course, which has been approved by the Royal College of Surgeons in the United Kingdom, will be run by St George’s University of London’s Advanced Patient and Simulation Skill Centre with the support of the GHA’s own School of Health Studies. This course is the first of its kind in Gibraltar and the region.

The aim of the course is to teach a systematic approach to the management of trauma patients. This is done through interactive tutorials, skills teaching and simulated patient management scenarios. It is a multidisciplinary course enabling a standardised language of trauma care across the various specialties. Attendance at the course will also expose the candidates to a network of motivated colleagues with an enthusiasm for trauma management. This high level training is expected to result in better outcomes for patients suffering trauma.

This widely acclaimed course was developed by the American College of Surgeons and has now been adopted in over 60 countries worldwide.

Minister for Health Dr John Cortes said, “I am really pleased that we have been able to bring this course to Gibraltar. It is part of our efforts to improve the standards of healthcare provided by the GHA and will make a real difference to trauma patients. It also shows the value of our continuing relationship with St George’s University of London, as we are able to link up to much of the high level health and care work being done there. I want to congratulate all those who have been involved in organising the course and to all those professionals who are taking part. The outcomes will be well worth while and could lead to lives being saved in the future.”